McCullum to go all out with pace

Wellington, 2014/Feb/13 06:54:00

Text Size

Brendon McCullum has said that New Zealand will go with an all-pace attack for the 2nd Test against India. The pitch is on the greener side and is expected to aid the seamers a lot more. Jimmy (James) Neesham is set to replace leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.

"We just think with this wicket the best method of attack against this Indian side is to roll out another seamer so Jimmy Neesham comes in for Ish Sodhi," McCullum said McCullum. "He's quite an attacking style bowler as well so he can fill that role as a fourth, fifth seamer and in combination with (Corey) Anderson is pretty strong for us.

Neesham is slotted to bat at No. 8 for the Kiwis and McCullum is happy with what the all-rounder brings to his team.

"Neesham's batting is a bit of a bonus but he comes into the frame for his ability to bowl it pretty heavy as well," he said.

Tom Latham will replace Ross Taylor, who misses the match due to the birth of his child.

McCullum chose to laugh away his bad luck with the toss. He's lost all tosses on the tour so far.

"Yeah, it is likely to go against me," McCullum said laughing. "We would obviously look at bowling if we win the toss. With Neesham at eight we have quite a bit of batting. We have found ourselves in precarious situations quite a bit this summer batting first and we have managed to come through it."

Commenting on the greenish pitch, McCullum hoped that his swing-heavy pace attack finds some aid as well.

"It looks bit greener than what we had against West Indies. It looks a bit harder as well. Hopefully with a bit of pace and bounce and some sideways (movement) too. Hopefully we will be able to generate that swing and that will be key for us," he said.